Asherwood Preserve Expands

When neighbors choose conservation over development, entire ecosystems benefit. ACRES Land Trust recently expanded Asherwood preserve in Wabash County, Indiana. This acquisition protects additional forested ravines, stream habitat and rare native species.

Why Preserve Expansion Matters

By increasing the amount of contiguous, undisturbed habitat, we provide more space for wildlife while helping support larger, healthier populations of native plants and animals. Larger, well-connected preserves are more resilient to environmental disturbances, ensuring the protection of natural resources for future generations.

Why Neighbors Matter

Much of our success in expanding preserves is thanks to the relationships ACRES builds and maintains with our neighbors. For example, when a parcel of land on State Road 124 in Wabash County, Indiana, across the road from Asherwood, was listed for sale, our team reached out to the landowners to discuss the possibility of including their property under ACRES protection. Understanding and supporting our mission, our neighbors chose to remove their real estate listing and offered the land to ACRES at a discounted price.

What’s Being Protected

This new parcel features topography similar to the existing Asherwood preserve, with deep, forested ravines and ridges lined with mature beech and maple trees. This addition also protects more than half a mile of the Asher Branch, a stream running through Asherwood, bringing the total protected stream length to over 1.5 miles between the two properties. During a recent site visit, ACRES Stewardship Director Evan Hill even discovered a native orchid, Spiranthes ovalis (also known as Lesser Ladies’ Tresses),
highlighting the ecological value of this newly protected land.

Thanks to an anonymous donor, the Kent Family Foundation, and other donations made at the end of 2024, this land acquisition project is already fully funded!